Several books with American themes are making appearances this fall. In Defense of Liberty: The Story of America's Bill of Rights by Russell Freedman begins with the history of the document and its inspiration, and traces the ways in which these first 10 amendments to the Constitution have been applied to protect the liberties of ordinary citizens. From battles over the separation of church and state to stormy debates over gun control and the right to bear arms, the book demonstrates how the groundbreaking document led to advances in human rights, even as it continues to be a magnet for controversy.